According to the public relations and information center of the Vice-Presidency for science and technology affairs, Sorena Sattari, the vice president for science and technology affairs pointed out that the local potentials of the East Azerbaijan Province can be flourished on the development path of knowledge-based economy during the administrative council meeting, stating: this province has a potential that can be used in the knowledge-based development path.

Sattari mentioned the possibility of turning Tabriz into a smart city, adding: this city has capable universities in the area of fostering creative human resources, which can pave the way for turning Tabriz into a smart city.

The vice president for science and technology affairs emphasized the injection of culture of science and technology parks in all sections of the province, expressing: the culture of science and technology park provides a foundation for flourishing of the capacities of human resources and facilitating the entrepreneurship environment. Promotion of this culture leads to the provision of the necessary facilities in the form of software and with no restrictions for knowledge-based and startup activists.

The president of the national elites foundation considered the growth of more than 450 innovative businesses around Sharif University of Industry as a successful model for promotion of culture of science and technology, asserting: in this smart and technological city, innovation, technology and creativity centers, meaning the knowledge-based companies, startups, growth centers, and accelerators, are formed in proximity to universities. In this respect, the Sharif University of Industry has shown a successful model. In addition, science and technology parks can provide facilities and services to knowledge-based companies and startups with no restrictions.

The vice president for science and technology affairs regarded the formation of a proper business environment as the most important necessity for the development of knowledge-based economy in the country.

The president of the knowledge-based economy and culture building development headquarter considered the attraction of elites and creative graduates to be dependent on the formation of this business environment.

Sattari mentioned that universities could dedicate a part of their income from the location of startups, knowledge-based companies and contracts with industries. In this regard, he added: the relationship between university and industry requires gaining an income by selling innovations. A university that is one hundred percent supported by the government cannot enter the path of innovation to solve the community problems.

An Agreement Is Signed on Cell City

During the meeting, a cooperation agreement on the establishment of city of stem cells and regenerative medicine was signed by the head of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and manager of the specialized zone of Rabe Rashidii n the presence of the vice president for science and technology affairs and governor of East Azerbaijan Province. This contract is concluded to develop and promote the technology of stem cells.

The project of comprehensive center of stem cells and regenerative medicine and initiation of project of cell city will lay the groundwork for the development of relevant technology by making progress in regenerative medicine and stem cells, providing support for knowledge-based companies.

The cell city project of East Azerbaijan Province has initiated its cooperation with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and municipality of the province. The cell city project includes accelerators for knowledge-based companies in the area of tissue engineering and stem cells, cell therapy hospital, cellular museum and club, laboratory animal farm and GLP, cell bank and clean rooms.